Illumina Sequences Actress Close's DNA

Score a publicity coup for San Diego biotech Illumina. Today (March 11) it revealed that it has sequenced the DNA of actress Glenn Close, who becomes the first publicly named female to have her DNA sequenced to full coverage. Close has been active in mental health issues, particularly in trying to eliminate the stigma from such problems. "There is bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in my family, illnesses that, like other medical conditions, are thought to have genetic underpinnings," said Close in a prepared statement. "As human sequencing becomes increasingly routine, my hope is that researchers will unravel the genetic aspects of mental illnesses to bring greater awareness about the diseases, de-stigmatize them and pave the way for more effective treatments." Now, the process costs $48,000 and takes eight weeks. Illumina stock is up almost 2% to $40.22.